This study proposes a mathematical model for repositioning containers to ports in East and North China. With specially devised links and nodes, the proposed model can consider the strategies that are deployed commonly by liners. Moreover, the formulated problem can be solved rapidly owing to its underlying multi-commodity network structure. This feature increases the practicality of the proposed model because sensitivity analyses can be performed rapidly for the purpose of decision-making. Analytical results based on a global liner prove the rationality of the proposed model. Suggestions for repositioning empty containers are given according to the results of sensitivity analyses.